Offering luxury yacht and expedition cruises on all seven continents, Ponant Cruises is an excellent choice for couples, solo travellers and those who love small-ship cruising.
Founded in 1988 by former French Merchant Navy officers, Ponant Cruises combines a luxurious onboard experience with authentic adventures in many of the world’s most captivating destinations. From classic sailings in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean to bucket-list adventures in Antarctica and Greenland, Ponant Cruises offers a unique take on the concept of cruising.
Ponant’s Yachts & Expedition Class Ships
Ponant Cruises boasts one of the most modern fleets at sea. Since the debut of their flagship vessel, Le Ponant (renovated in 2022), the line has continually improved the depth and diversity of experiences offered to guests. There are eleven ships to choose from, including the six-ship Explorer fleet, which includes Le Champlain, Le Laperouse, and Le Jacques Cartier. These 188-guest vessels combine private yacht-style luxury with the manoeuvrability and facilities of an expedition ship.
Ponant Cruises: Onboard Experience
On a Ponant ship, you can expect friendly bilingual service, world-class dining experiences and elegantly appointed accommodations. The ‘French Touch’ is evident in the ships’ design and decor, while the atmosphere resembles a boutique hotel in Paris. Where public spaces are concerned, the assortment of lounges and bars provide the ideal environment for meeting new friends, while the sun decks offer ample seating and are perfect for lazy sea days. Furthermore, nearly every Ponant vessel boasts luxurious spa and wellness facilities should you wish to enjoy additional pampering on your voyage.
You will benefit from several expedition-style features if you choose a cruise on an Explorer Class vessel. Amongst these facilities is the Blue Eye Lounge, an underwater multi-sensory environment that boasts comfortable seating and privileged views of life beneath the waves. Ponant’s expedition ships also carry a fleet of Zodiacs deployed frequently throughout each itinerary for sightseeing excursions and trips ashore.
In 2018, Ponant Cruises announced a partnership with National Geographic, through which photographers and experts from the organisation will host workshops and land programmes on selected expedition itineraries.
Ponant Cruises 2025 / 2026
In 2025, Ponant Cruises will offer new luxury and adventure itineraries for deeper exploration. The expanded Smithsonian Journeys programme will feature 30 voyages led by experts, visiting destinations like the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, and Central America. Highlights include “Australia’s West Coast Odyssey,” exploring pristine coastlines and Aboriginal art, and a special expedition in New Zealand’s Fiordland, reaching remote islands. Arctic and Antarctic cruises will also take guests to lesser-known spots like Northeast Greenland and the St. Lawrence River, blending luxury with a spirit of adventure.
Ponant Cruises’ 2026 itinerary programme is also packed with a lineup of new sailings, including 86 cruises and 37 itineraries. Highlights include Mediterranean voyages to historic towns and ancient sites, Asian expeditions, visiting China, Indonesia, and Japan, and a standout cruise around Japan stopping in Kyoto, Hiroshima, and the Ogasawara Islands. The programme also features Arctic and Northern Europe adventures, including a journey from Longyearbyen, Svalbard, to Reykjavik, Iceland, with opportunities for wildlife spotting, such as polar bears and whales, and exploring remote glaciers and fjords.
Included With Ponant Cruises:
Even though Ponant is not an all-inclusive cruise line, it still represents excellent value-for-money value. When you book a Ponant cruise, the price you pay at the time of booking includes the following:
- Dining in all venues
- Beverages (excluding premium brands)
- Mini-bar stocked with your preferences
- WiFi throughout the ship
- Use of the ship water sports platform for kayaking, swimming, etc. (weather/itinerary permitting)
- 24-hour room service
In addition to these inclusions, guests on one of Ponant’s Explorer Class vessels will receive a complimentary Polar Parka and enjoy tours led by the bilingual Expedition Team.
If you would like to learn more about Ponant Cruises or receive a quote for a future sailing, please call our Voyage Consultants on 0800 008 6677 or make an online enquiry for one of the cruises below.
